A Guide To Quitting Your First Job

Make sure you have another job lined up

I know it’s really hard to search for another job when you’re at your current job. The time off, the interviews, the hours it takes to send in applications. But it’s absolutely necessary for your future employer and yourself to have a job lined up before quitting.

2. Your new job should be a step forward

Your first job is most likely the first thing you could grab out of college. It may not have been the best, but at least it provides you some security. Stay at it until you find a job that is a better career move.

3. Wait at least 6 months, even better if you wait a year

Unless there are some specific circumstances, like harassment, illness, etc. you should wait at least 6 months to quit your first job. Even then it should be under specific circumstances like not being able to live off your pay. If you can wait a year, you should, but if a better opportunity comes up you have to take it.

4. Sign all the paperwork before your resignation

It’s very exciting to get a new job and you probably want to leave your old one right away, but make sure you cross your t’s and dot your i’s before saying goodbye.

5. Remember to be appreciative

You probably don’t like where you work anymore, but stay appreciative of the opportunity they gave you. Let any negativity go out the window and be grateful.

6. Giving your two weeks won’t be as bad as you think

It’s awkward, yes. But most people will understand and will be happy for you – especially at your first job! If they aren’t, it’s a good thing you’re leaving.

7. Keep the effort up in your last two weeks

It’s soooo hard to stay focused, but do your best to finish up projects and be helpful before you go.

8. Offer to help find a replacement

Tell your employer what you think your job responsibilities really are and who would be a great fit.

9. Leave a card

A handwritten thank you goes a long way and is a great thing to leave behind.

10. End on a high note and keep in touch

Even when you leave a job, you’re never leaving it for good. You’ve made friends and will need references so there will always be some kind of tie to you and the company.

If you have any tips or stories about quitting your first job, leave them below 🙂

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Published by Rosie Culture

I graduated from Rowan University in 2015! I majored in Advertising, minored in Journalism, and concentrated in New Media. I am a social media enthusiast and am especially passionate about Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. When I'm not scrolling through pictures of pugs, pinning vegetarian recipes, or trying to be funny in 140 characters or less; I'm the Communications Specialist at a non profit! Did you guys know you can't make a career out of complaining about your life and tagging people in pictures of sloths?
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Great tips Rosie, I think we’ve all been in shitty jobs and the temptation to tell them exactly what you think of them is very tempting – but like you say, simply not worth it, leave the job on good terms for your own wellbeing xx

Actually that reminds me, I have a work colleague who got another position, told our employers a lot of home truths, did 2 days at new job, hated it and had to come back and ask for her job back! They let her come back, but boy, did they smirk!

These are all great tips. Always best to leave in good terms, that is for sure. I once had to leave a job in very bad terms due to unavoidable circumstances. (My physical safety was at risk). A year later I applied for an opportunity where it turned out my previous boss was one of the people I had to meet with. It was pretty awkward at first.

Great tips. As an old guy that has been through this a few times, money isn’t always the reason to move to a new job. Sometimes it’s sanity or the chance at a better opportunity. Also, when you give your two weeks notice, be prepared to be walked out immediately. This is especially true if you are in the technology field.

Yea I didn’t know how many people were told to leave immediately but apparently it’s very common! There are a lot of reasons to leave a job, but I think it’s best to try and leave under good circumstances

Be humble for the opportunity and speak highly of the place even after you’re gone. This world isn’t as small as you think. I think that if you leave your first job after 1 year, you should stay at your next one a minimum of 3 years. Have a 3 year plan with any job and review whether you are where you want to be and so forth.

That’s a good tip! It’s easy to speak poorly about a job after you leave. I think when you’re first getting started, a year is a good amount of time to stay with a company but you shouldn’t stay longer than that if you see no growth or opportunity

True, but if you leave your first two jobs in a year it shows that you are flaky and lack the ability to commit. I think people need to be honest about what they’re looking for so you don’t appear to be job hopping. Don’t just go for more money. Money doesn’t bring happiness, but be sure of what you want in order to be able to accurately assess whether or not it’s a good fit.